Clara Dean Cearley

Clara Dean James (Marshall) Cearley 

George Weldon and Lillie Mae James were Clara’s parents. She was born in Bomarton, Texas, and was the oldest of four children. She lived most of her childhood years in Knox County. She was a fun-loving teenager according to the many stories told by her relatives and friends. She later moved to Roaring Springs where she met Albert Carl Marshall. They married when she was 16 and lived in Matador, Texas, for several years, before moving to Wheeler, Texas, where they would raise their three daughters. 

Clara was very involved in the First Baptist Church and influenced many children through teaching in Sunday School and GAs. She was a favorite confidante to many of her daughters’ friends who loved her because she welcomed them to her home, hosted numerous fun slumber parties, gave them haircuts and perms, and cooked them wonderful meals. She worked at Parkview Hospital and Wheeler School. At the school she was a secretary to the Superintendent, which her daughters didn’t always like as she always found out when they misbehaved!

As everyone has changes in life, so did Clara. She moved to Lubbock, Texas, in 1975, where she worked at South Plains Dialysis Center. She married a wonderful man, Doug Cearley, in 1992, and moved to Amarillo, Texas. He blessed her with four stepchildren. She enjoyed life with Doug for 19 years until his death. She then moved to San Antonio, Texas, for three years and later to Weatherford, Texas, where she lived for the last five years.

Clara demonstrated her love and faith in God throughout her life. She enjoyed cooking delicious meals and setting the table with crystal to serve her family formal meals. She loved Christmas and decorating her home to be festive. She loved family, friends, homemaking, Bible Study, cooking, parties, sewing, crafts, decorative painting, square dancing, traveling, reading, shopping, and family reunions. She will be remembered for her smile, sweet personality, beauty inside and out, and her compassion and caring for others.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Doug Cearley; and a brother, Ed James of Weatherford, Texas. 

She leaves behind two siblings, Mary Phillips of Lubbock, Texas, and Dub James (Helen) of Lake Dallas, Texas. She also leaves behind children, Carla McCain (Don), Jana Malmberg (George), Laura Polchlopek (Richard), Steve Cearley (Debra), Becky Bell, Dan Cearley (Monica) and Gina Love (Mark). 

She was “Nana” and dearly loved by grandchildren, Cody, Tara, Stephanie, Charlie, Marshall, Michael, Nick, Lance, Macy, Cory, Eric, Jason, Tucker, Chelsea, Cagan, Maddy, Dexter, and 36 great grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was a favorite of the caregivers, who were so sweet, kind, and loving to her, at Autumn Hill Manor. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions we are limited to the immediate family ONLY attending services. Please accept the family's invitation for you to view Clara’s services through our LIVE Webcasting at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. You may call 817-594-2747 to request the link for viewing. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the charity of your choice.